Holistic Healing for Trauma
Shamanic Techniques for Emotional Release
Trauma can leave deep imprints on our mind, body, and spirit. Whether it stems from a single event, a series of experiences, or even generational patterns, trauma often lingers in our energy field, creating blockages that disrupt our sense of peace and wholeness. While traditional therapies can be incredibly helpful, many are turning to holistic healing practices—like shamanism—to address trauma on a deeper, more spiritual level.
Shamanic techniques offer a unique approach to emotional release, helping us clear stagnant energy, reconnect with our inner wisdom, and reclaim our power. In this blog, we’ll explore how shamanism can support your healing journey and introduce practical techniques you can use to release emotional trauma and restore harmony.
Understanding Trauma from a Shamanic Perspective
In shamanic traditions, trauma is seen as more than just a psychological or emotional experience—it’s also an energetic one. When we go through a traumatic event, a part of our essence (often called the “soul”) can fragment or become disconnected. This is known as soul loss, and it can leave us feeling numb, empty, disempowered, or stuck in repetitive patterns.
Shamans believe that healing trauma requires more than just addressing the mind or body; it involves restoring the spirit. By working with energy, spirit guides, and ancient rituals, shamanic practices help us retrieve parts of ourselves that have been held in a state of grace and have become difficult to access, release trapped emotions, and reintegrate our holistic well-being.
Shamanic Techniques for Emotional Release
Here are some powerful shamanic techniques that can help you release emotional trauma and begin the journey toward healing:
1. Soul Retrieval
Soul retrieval is a core shamanic practice aimed at recovering the parts of ourselves that were fragmented and held in a state of grace, making it difficult to access these specific attributes during and after traumatic experiences. A shaman journeys into the spirit world to locate and retrieve these fragments, helping you feel restored and igniting a sense of wholeness and connectedness.
How to Explore This: While soul retrieval is typically performed by a trained shaman, you can set an intention to call back your lost energy through meditation or visualization. Imagine yourself surrounded by light, inviting any fragmented parts of your soul to return to you, beginning once again a new dialogue and relationship with that aspect of you that you have not been able to access. An example would be to retrieve the part of you that knows they are “Worthy” to experience peace and love in their life.
2. Energy Clearing with Smudging
Smudging is the practice of burning sacred herbs (like sage or palo santo) to clear stagnant or heavy and unwanted energy from your space and energy field. This can be especially helpful after a traumatic event or during times of emotional distress.
How to Practice: Light a favorite sacred herb stick or resin, then gently wave the smoke around your body and living space, (be mindful of the ash and flame) focusing on areas where you feel tension or discomfort. Set the intention to release any energy that no longer serves you. Be sure to end the ceremony with a prayerful blessing of your body and surroundings.
3. Drumming and Rattling for Releasing Unwanted Heavy Energy
Shamanic drumming or rattling are both powerful tools for shifting energy and accessing altered states of consciousness. The rhythmic beat of the drum and rattle can help you release trapped emotions and connect with your inner wisdom.
How to Practice: Find a quiet space and play a shamanic drumming or rattling track (available on platforms like YouTube or Spotify ). Close your eyes, focus on your breath, and allow the drumming or rattling to guide you into a meditative state. Visualize any emotional pain leaving your body with each beat. If you have in your possession a rattle or drum, by all means use them and merge with the tone and rhythm of your instrument. As an alternative you can include movement/dance with the rhythms you are creating.
4. Working with Spirit Guides
In shamanism, spirit guides are seen as unseen allies who offer wisdom, protection, and healing. Connecting with your guides can provide comfort and clarity as you navigate the healing process. Remember that spirit guides may take many forms. Be open to exploring these benevolent beings, understanding that they are here for your best and highest good.
How to Practice: Get comfortable, prayerfully ask to create a sacred space where you are sitting. Sit in meditation and set the intention to connect with your spirit guides. Ask for their support in releasing emotional trauma and trust any messages, images, or sensations that arise. Continuous dialogue with spirit guides will always be a welcomed relationship to your spiritual health.
5. Cord-Cutting Rituals
Trauma can create energetic cords or connections that tie us to past events, places, things, or people. Cord-cutting rituals help you release these attachments and reclaim your energy. Optimally it is always good to consult with a professional or you may release the cord on your own.
How to Practice: Visualize the person, place or event tied to your trauma. Imagine a cord connecting you to them, then use your hands or a symbolic tool (like scissors) to cut the cord. Set the intention to release the connection and reclaim your power.
Why Shamanic Healing Works for Trauma
Shamanic techniques address trauma on multiple levels—physical, emotional, and spiritual. By working with energy and spirit, these practices help us:
Release Stuck Emotions: Trauma often can be trapped in the body, creating physical and emotional pain. Shamanic practices help release this energy, allowing for deep holistic healing.
Reconnect with Our Essence: Soul retrieval and other techniques help us feel whole again, restoring our sense of self and purpose.
Empower Ourselves: Shamanic healing is deeply empowering, reminding us that we have the ability to heal and transform our lives.
Taking the First Step on Your Healing Journey
Healing from trauma is a deeply personal journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Shamanic techniques offer a holistic path to emotional release, helping you reconnect with your inner wisdom and reclaim your power.
If you’re feeling called to explore shamanic healing, I invite you to take the first step. Whether it’s through guided meditation, a ritual, or working with a shamanic practitioner, know that healing is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone.
And if you have any questions or need support, feel free to reach out. I’m here to guide you on your journey.